The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources (RCMRD) has been awarded the prestigious Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award from Esri Inc., in recognition of its innovative use of geospatial technology to strengthen biodiversity conservation and sustainable development across Africa.
The award was presented during the annual Esri User Conference in San Diego, California, where RCMRD was recognised among leading organisations globally for its application of geographic information systems (GIS) to address critical environmental challenges.
RCMRD received the award for the work of its European Union-funded Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE), which uses geospatial technologies to support biodiversity, forest and seascape ecosystem management across Eastern and Southern Africa.
The RCoE addresses challenges faced by countries in monitoring biodiversity, managing protected areas and reporting progress towards the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). Environmental and satellite data in the region has often been fragmented and difficult to translate into actionable decisions.
Through a regional data geoportal, biodiversity maps, policy briefs, spatial analysis tools, standardised field data collection and the RCoE Map Book Gallery, the centre is helping governments and conservation agencies access and use environmental information more effectively.
RCMRD says the initiative has supported 24 countries in monitoring ecosystems and improving the planning and management of protected and conserved areas, contributing to progress towards KM-GBF Target 3, which seeks to ensure effective conservation of at least 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine areas by 2030.
Esri President Jack Dangermond said GIS technology was increasingly important in addressing challenges with a geographic component, noting that the organisations recognised through the SAG Awards were using mapping technology to improve decision-making and benefit the wider geospatial community.
RCMRD Director General Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza said the award demonstrated the impact of partnerships involving member states, the European Union and geospatial experts in strengthening Africa’s capacity to manage its natural resources.
“Our work has enhanced environmental monitoring, spatial planning, and evidence-based policy formulation for governments, conservation agencies and local communities across Eastern and Southern Africa,” Nkurunziza said.
The RCoE operates with support from the European Union under the Africa Regional Centres of Excellence (ArcX) Programme, which contributes to the AU-EU Innovation Agenda and aligns with the EU Global Gateway Strategy.
The ArcX Programme focuses on five interconnected areas, water, biodiversity, agroecology, ocean and climate change, with the aim of supporting ecosystem health, livelihoods and long-term environmental sustainability.
A total of 187 organisations from sectors including government, telecommunications, transportation, defence, commercial industry and nonprofit organisations were honoured through the 2026 SAG Awards.